So we did. And discovered there is Part Two!... the response to Caine's Arcade. I still choke up watching the first film. This is a lovely follow up featuring Caine and some of the kids around the world he has inspired. My kids certainly have been!

Rocking core goals:1. Instill Creative Thinking as a Core Skill and Social Value2. Give Kids Opportunities to Create and Learn Based on their Passions3. Foster a Community of Creative Makers4. Introduce Social Entrepreneurship at a Young Age5. Use Storytelling to Celebrate Exceptional Kids and Inspire Communities

Sunday, March 24, 2013

I think I can comfortably say that this has always been a lifestyle blog.

Of course it's also very-much an edu blog but I have always talked about more than just home/school. This year I hope to continue to extend that reach; to talk about travel, design, food, fashion and more. I hope that is as exciting to you as it is for me. Smile.

Today's post continues a discussion about packing light!

If you've been readingtheblog you will know that we are heading off on a big family trip later this year. Six months on the road. With just the bags on our backs (or *cough* wheeling beside us ;)

My goal... to pack lightly with style!

A month or so ago I escaped from family-life for a weekend away with my best friend and worked quite strategically to think about our bigger trip when I packed. I wasn't checking my luggage so I could only take one carry on bag and my tote. My tote is a gorgeous Kate Spade number that T bought for me when he went to New York without us last year. Yes, I just italicised that ;) but, really, it was for work and he went with my blessings - and went to Kate Spade especially for me - so I forgive him this one time. Lol.

It's a great bag and in many ways perfect for traveling to Europe but it's one flaw is that it doesn't have a top zip. Talking to myself: Do I need a lockable day-bag instead?

Anyway, I want to show you what I carry in here because, well, I know I like to see what other people carry in their handbags and maybe you do too!

The photo above shows my iPhone (white case), iPad (black cover), my purse for cards and money, glomesh purse for extra small things like lipgloss and hairbands, and just disappearing out of shot - a small notebook (I also carry a thin sharpie and a retractable pencil cos I love them) and collapsible shopping tote.

A cell tube was the perfect solution for my ghd straightener and a pair of heels (this was after all a girly weekend!).

Aaaaaaaand... I did happen to buy 3 pairs of shoes. Hence there were 5 pairs of shoes to pack on my return. Whoops!

A small clear cell for my underwear. These come in a set of 3. Very cute. I realise now that I haven't included my toiletries bag in this post but that's because there's another post coming up just about makeup and toiletries, but yes, I had one of those packed too. Including this cute toothbrush!

It all went in here. My carry-on. T takes it on all of his own adventures so it gets a lot of love (read: wear).

Finally, my camera bag. This didn't quite fit into the carry-on (maybe it was all the shoes ;) and is bulky in the tote. I'm dreaming of getting a compact DSLR before we travel. But dreaming it may just be...

And last but not least I grabbed a few little presents for the sweet-ones-back-home at the airport.

Voila!

So, obviously this ain't quite enough stuff for six months... but I'm hoping it's not far off it to be honest. For my personal items at least. Inspired by Bea at Zero Waste Home I am planning on minimising my wardrobe but we will be heading into a European winter so I will need extra layers.

What are yourtravel essentials and what do you do without? Please let me know and also let me know if you enjoyed this post! xx

Saturday, March 23, 2013

One of the books we are enjoying this term is Playground compiled by Nadia Wheatley.

We use the bush as our school and as our playground, says one of
the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose voices
combine in this anthology of true stories about childhood, compiled from
a wide range of memoirs and oral histories.

Alongside reminiscences
of getting bush tucker, going fishing and taking part in ceremony, there
are descriptions of playing games, building cubbies and having fun. The
warmth of home, the love of family and the strength of community shine
through every story. Freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility,
while respect and sharing are constant themes.

The eighty Elders -
both past and present - who have contributed their words or artwork to
this book include many prominent community leaders, educators and
artists. Their life-stories span the twentieth century.

Last week's reading inspired us to do some Aboriginal-inspired painting.

We chose natural card stock and a simplified colour palette.

My efforts. I was a little fixated with using the end of the brush dot-painting style.

The boys also worked on this Aboriginal art jigsaw puzzle. It's called 'Snake Dreaming' and is by Linda Smith from the Eastern Aranda Tribe.